Suburban School Superintendents Perspectives of Changing Student Demographics and the Impact on District Policies and Practices

Abstract

This qualitative study is designed to further understanding of how suburban school superintendents impact a district with changing demographics. The purpose of this study will be to assess how superintendents interpret changing demographics in their school districts and the impact of changing student demographics based on inclusive policies and practices. Interviews with superintendents and other district and campus leaders from two similar Texas suburban school districts are used for this study. Interview responses highlighted three themes from the interview responses; (a) the ability of the leaders to recognize diversity within the school district, (b) the influence that stakeholders have with district leadership in decision making, and (c) recognizing the impact of demographic diversity and the impact on district programs, practices and policies. Findings show that superintendents and district leadership recognize the growing diversity within their students and communities and employ various strategies to meet the needs of a diverse population, but there is still a struggle in designing an all-inclusive educational system.